Posts tagged ‘Prophet’

Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was born in such a family on Friday, the 17th Rabi’-ul-Awwal, 1st year of ‘Amul-Fil (corresponding to 570 C.E.) to bring the Message of God to the world. In Sunni circles, 12th Rabi’-ul-Awwal is more famous. Thus, the prayer of Ibrahim while constructing the Ka’bah was granted:

Lord! And raise a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Thine verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them, indeed Thou art the Mighty, the Wise(Qur’an, 2:129).

And the tidings of Christ came true:-

O Children of Israel! Surely, I am the messenger of Allah to you, verifying that which is before me of the Torah and giving the good news of a Messenger who will come after me whose name will be Ahmed. (Qur’an, 61:6)

‘Abdullah, father of the Prophet, died a few month before (or two months after) his birth, and his grandfather ‘Abdul Muttalib took over the care and upbringing of the child. After a few months, according to the age-long custom of the Arabs, the child was entrusted to a bedouin woman Halimah by name, of the tribe of Bani-Sa’d, for his upbringing.

When he was only six years old, he lost his mother as well; so, the doubly-orphaned child was brought up by ‘Abdul-Muttalib with the most tender care. It was the will of God that the Prophet to-be should undergo all the sufferings, pains and privations incidental to human life in order that he might learn to bear them with becoming fortitude and raise his stature in human perfection. Not two years had passed before ‘Abdul-Muttalib also expired.

‘Abdul-Muttalib died at the age of 82, leaving the care and custody of the orphaned Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) to Abu Talib. Abu Talib and his wife, Fatimah Bint Asad, loved Muhammad more than their own children. As the Holy Prophet himself said, Fatima Bint Asad was his “mother” who kept her own children waiting while she fed the Holy Prophet, kept her own children cold while she gave him warm clothes. Abu Talib always kept the child with him day and night.

Abu Talib had succeeded ‘Abdul-Muttalib in Siqayah and Rifadah and was an active participant in the trade caravans. When Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was 12 years old, Abu Talib bade farewell to his family to go to Syria. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) clung to him and cried. Abu Talib was so moved that he took the child with him. When the caravan reached Busra in Syria they, as usual, stayed near the monastery of a monk, Buhayra. It is not possible to give here the full account of that visit. Suffice it to say that the monk, seeing some of the signs, which he knew from the old books, was convinced that the orphan child was the last Prophet-to-be. To make sure, he started a conversation with him, and at one point said: “I give you oath of Lat and Uzza to tell me…” The child cried out: “Don’t take the names of Lat and Uzza before me! I hate them!” Buhayra was now convinced. He advised Abu Talib not to proceed to Damascus “because if the Jews found out what I have seen, I am afraid they will try to harm him. For sure, this child is to have a great eminence.”

“Hear us – Don’t insult our Prophet.”

By: Husseinali Datoo

Human dignity and mutual respect is a fundamental human right, which does not stand alone without Freedom of expression or above other related rights.

Across the Muslim World there is rightly indignation and hurt at the latest deliberate attack on Islam, in the form of the film – Innocence of Muslims-. Unquestionably this resentment is shared by all who believe in human rights and moral decency.

As I mentioned earlier, expression of free speech (FREEDOM OF SPEECH) is a basic human right; but that intentionally incite hatred and spark acts of violence are rightly to be condemned.

The deliberately made film of Prophet Mohammed(Peace be upon Him) contains disgusting dialogue that insults Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) whom 1.6+ Billion Muslims hold in high esteem- This is a known fact.

This is not the first time that sentiments of the Muslim community have been tampered and countless times we have seen Islam and Holy Prophet denigrated and this action surprisingly is endorsed by the leaders of the free world in the guise of free speech.

Understandably the feelings of Muslims cry out in anger and as before this film has incited widespread protests throughout the World; protests directly triggered by the offensive, degrading film, sadly causing loss of life.

If freedom of speech is to be valued than the making and distribution of this film is not an expression of freedom of any kind as making of this disgusting film does not in any way contribute of value to promote understanding between different religions.

More so all these insults to Islam and the Holy prophet serve no purpose other than to provoke further potential violence, enabling Muslims to be marginalized and demonized once more, constructing some persistent justification for continued causes of hurt and anger to Muslims.

Allowing this film to be shown or not has little to do with censorship and or free speech, and to reduce this issue to such thinking is a convenient diversion, made-up in order to avoid discussing the filmmaker’s intention. Therefore the film breaches international guidelines on free speech, and should be banned, its makers charged and prosecuted.

For the record: Google removed 1,710 videos and closed their affiliated accounts because, as Google put it, ‘a substantial number of those videos concerned Holocaust denial and defense of Holocaust deniers’. Google ‘closed the users’ accounts within 24 hours’ of receiving the complaint by a group that monitored anti-Semitism. While at the same moment surprisingly Google said ‘this video,-Innocence of Muslims- widely available on the Web, is clearly within our guidelines and so will stay on YouTube’. (Huffingdon Post)

It cannot be further expressed that Muslims through the world know the mischievous intent of the ever increasing insults to Islam and the Prophet and of the intention of film maker’s as well.

If only those who denigrate the Prophet and the- so called supporters of freedom of speech- would care to read about what the Prophet of Islam had actually taught and learn from his attributes surely.

For instance, that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had enjoined upon his followers that, “when the bier of anyone passes by you, whether [of a] Jew, Christian, or Muslim, rise to your feet.”

According to yet another tradition, once a bier passed by him, and he stood up; and it was said to him: “This is the bier of a Jew.” Muhammad (peace be upon him) said something to the effect, “Was he not a soul?”

All of this goes to show how enlightened and humane an approach the Prophet had towards even the Jews and Christians. It would take volumes to write about the attributes of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.(PBUH)

What we, in the Muslim world, fail to understand are the dual standards followed on this issue by the media and writers in the West.
But may be to them freedom of speech mean that religious sentiments are tampered with and expect Muslims to react with an air of resignation?

We need to give encouragement to Muslim scholars to delve into their treasury of wisdom to see what they have there to contribute to the discussion about the future of Islam. A good word of advice to the Muslim community is to think big and inform the writers and filmmakers about Islam and the Prophet Mohammad.( PBUH)

Karen Armstrong in her book Mohammed the Prophet of our time describes him as preaching loyalty to God rather than tribe; reconciliation rather than retaliation: care for orphans and the poor: and in many ways empowerment of women which will be a surprise to some. The Quran gave women property rights. Indeed radical changes at a time when women were traded like camels.
Surely words of wisdom……

This world is a multi-faith, multicultural society and there is no room for hatred but love…..
May peace prevail……

_____________

Husseinali Datoo
The writer is an Optometrist and Writer lives in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

The people of Benghazi held a peaceful protest against the anti-islam movie while also showing their support for U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens, who was killed in Libya. Just as not all Americans are the same as those who attempted to make a mockery of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), similarly not all people who claim they are muslim are the same as those who have reacted with violence.

Holy Quran 25:63

The worshippers of the All-Merciful are they who tread gently upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them, they reply, “Peace!”

Below are pictures from the peaceful protest held by the people of Benghazi showing the true islam;

I have not been sent, but to perfect your Akhlaq (Morals/Good Manners) – Prophet Muhammad(SAWW)

Attempts at ridiculing Islam’s great personalities have never been an infrequent occurrence. The Prophet, whilst he was alive, was thrown garbage at, pelted with stones, mocked in public and even had his life threatened. Aba Abdillah’s head was shamelessly disrespected by Yazid (LA), the fourth Imam along with the women of the martyrs of Kerbal were put on display as prisoners of war. These efforts to ridicule or belittle Islam and its great personalities have occurred in the past, are happening in the present and will continue to. What is our responsibility as Muslims, living in different corners of the globe? How do we react to this insensitive, preposterous, unbelievable attack on the Prophet of Islam?

The question we must ask ourselves, before we take any action, is ‘what would our Prophet do?’ Often, we make hasty decisions out of anger and disgust, rushing to the defense of our religion, with good intentions but adopting wrong approach. For instance, some people claim that the western world should be prepared to face the ‘repercussions’ for facilitating the production of this movie, or that they shouldn’t be surprised that Muslims have opted for violence in their reactions. The message may be correct to an extent, reaction to this attack will spark up, considering this is the holiest personality to the religion of Islam. But by stating, that violence is NOT surprising, we may be attributing an element of justification to the way some Muslims have reacted. It is important to note that, in NO way are we permitted to threaten or harm the lives of innocent people. The Prophet(SAWW), in a well-known hadith, was thrown garbage at, continuously for three days by an old lady. He never reacted or retorted, nor did he even ask the lady about her actions. In fact, he visited the lady when her absence was noted. The prophet was the pinnacle of good akhlaq, even when he was subjected to extreme mockery and ridicule. After all, he spent forty years acting upon his famous saying, “The only reason I have been sent is to perfect good manners.” If we are to defend the prophet of Islam, then we should adopt his approach.

The below post is a short clip from Nouman Ali Khan, a well renowned speaker in the Muslim world. It provides good advice on how we should react in these circumstances, as ordained by Allah(SWT), His messenger, and the Holy Qur’an.

As we all know during these current times, Islam has faced many attacks and false accusations. It has been made fun of and is seen to be a mockery, the latest being the making of the film, “innocence of Muslims”. As Muslims, we are duty bound to defend the Word of The Almighty as it is a gift to us, and as humans, it is our nature that we do accept and take good care of gifts that we receive whatever it may be.

Every system has a guide to ensure efficient use of it. E.g. a computer or machine. And so Islam being a systematic religion that covers all aspects of life also has a guide known as Qur’an.

Qur’an is a book which is always living and is applicable at all times, from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w)’s time till the day of judgment. And so, it is a living miracle which helps solve all problems of life logically and ethically in a systematic way.

Also, when we look into any system, project or for instance a book, and then we are told to discuss what it is about, we will always read the whole thing and not part of it. This is because it will not be an academic approach as it requires full information.

So, the same thing applies to Islam or rather the Qur’an such that when non-believers claim and accuse Muslims of being terrorists or that the Qur’an just talks about war and violence. This is because, they read only part of the whole thing or also they just read a sentence of it. But, when we tackle a problem, we have to look at it in all fields of it so that we can draw a conclusion. The people, who accuse us, do not approach Islam academically. And therefore, we are responsible to discuss with them and educate them, as it is a blessing from Him, that we have the knowledge about it and that we are born Muslims.

And the Qur’an teaches us how to teach the dis-believers. This is said in Surah at-Tawbah, ayah 6. This ayah teaches us how to approach the claimer and what to do.

“If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.”

This is to provide them opportunities for hearing the true message of Allah, so that they may see the light of reason and accept the true religion of Allah. It is the highest form of tolerance. Islam enjoins upon its followers to give people every kind of facility to hear and understand the word of Allah. The pagans of Makka, the worst enemies of Allah, were allowed to enjoy protection so that they might first know the teachings of the religion of Allah and then decide about their future conduct.

Logically, when we are attacked, the first thought in our mind will be to defend ourselves.

We can further see that Qur’an teaches about self-defense but we are bound to certain limits that we are ordained to follow. This is in Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 190;

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.”

The message of Islam is universal. From early times the Muslims were only permitted to fight in self-defence.

This is further supported by Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 194

“The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.”

The men of Allah are allowed to inflict injury on those who violate the sanctity of the sacred months and attack the believers, because under the law of retaliation justice demands that the aggressors be punished, but when the enemies desist from continued confrontation, peace, bound by agreement, should prevail and be adhered to.

“Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war against them).‎”

It is also true that out of their cunning and design some people wage war upon the Muslims with the help of the open and avowed enemies of Islam. If they do not keep away from you, nor offer peace, nor restrain their hands, seize them and destroy them wherever they are.

So, we can see that the Holy Book that had been attacked does carry so much weight and is without any doubt a clear miracle with amazing massages and guidelines. And therefore, our brain automatically demands us to know the author and question about Him, and that is none but Allah. To know how Merciful he is to his Creations, he has made it Wajib on Himself to grant Mercy on us. This is said in Surah al-An’aam, ayah 12

“Say: “To whom belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth?” Say: “To Allah. He hath inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. That He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.”

This proves to us that He is all Kind and all Merciful. But, we should keep in mind that He is also very swift in reckoning as everything has its limits. Lastly we must keep reminding ourselves that his bounties are limitless and to gain them we need to obey Him by doing what pleases Him and avoiding what he has forbidden.